NASCAR back on track for extra day of testing in Atlanta
The Sprint Cup drivers returned to the track Thursday at Atlanta Motor Speedway, getting an extra day to test out the new rules package that will be in effect for the first time.
"This really feels like the start of the season," said Kyle Larson, who ranked second behind Chip Ganassi Racing teammate Jamie McMurray during the first practice session on a cool, windy day at the 1.54-mile trioval.
McMurray posted the fastest speed during the opening practice, turning a lap of 191.549 mph. Larson was next at 190.195, followed by defending Cup champion Kevin Harvick at 189.850. Speeds dropped off in the second session, led by Jeff Gordon's lap of
Also, since the races at Daytona and Talladega are run with a special restrictor-plate package that was largely unchanged from 2014, this will be the first event with the new rules. The horsepower has been reduced significantly, going from 840 to 725, and the rear spoiler was shortened from 8 to 6 inches. Most intriguingly, drivers now have the option of controlling the track bar from inside the car, allowing them to adjust the rear balance during the race, altering the way their machine handles.
"It's nice to put a little bit more in the drivers' hands," Larson said.
Carl Edwards wasn't quite as thrilled with his new toy. The switch was installed on the steering wheel, so he worries about making an adjustment inadvertently. Or, even worse, having it get stuck during a change, going to one extreme or the other.
"This is an opportunity to screw ourselves up more than it helps us," said Edwards, getting ready for his second race with the new No. 19 team at Joe Gibbs Racing. "I will probably not mess with mine too much." The Independent Tribune/AP Story